Puppies don’t come with manuals—but we’re here to help.

With the right support early on, your pup can grow into the calm, loving companion you dreamed of.

 
Puppy Playgroup is a gentle, 4-day foundation in social skills, vet confidence, and calm routines. From relaxed nail trims to respectful play, we help your puppy develop the life skills they need to thrive—at home, at the vet, and out in the world.

When the World Feels Too Big

Anxiety in dogs is at an all-time-high—especially in a post-pandemic world where our pets are deeply bonded family members. While our love and closeness are beautiful, without the right early guidance, they can unintentionally fuel stress and dependence.
We are committed to help you build calm, confidence, and resilience—at the right time, with the right skills.
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The Right Skills, at the Right Time

Puppies don’t come preloaded with confidence—it’s something we build, together.

We gently guide your pup through social time with people and their peers. We help them stay calm when you’re not around. We make vet visits feel normal, not scary.

They’ll learn basic manners, polite play, loose-leash walking—plus gain trust through gentle baths.

No force. No fear. Just calm, steady progress.

Every skill your puppy needs to grow up brave, balanced, and ready for life.

Why We’re Different

Why Choose Puppy Play Group at Lilydale Vet Centre?

  • Our space is purpose-built: quiet, calm, and puppy-friendly.
  • We limit groups to 8 pups, matched by age and temperament.
  • Run by experienced vets, nurses, and behavioural support staff.
  • Real-time exposure to the vet clinic environment, handled gently.
  • We give you daily updates—so you’re never out of the loop.

It’s not a crash course in obedience. It’s a thoughtful, nurturing start to a lifetime of calm.

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What Pet Parents Tell Us

About Lilydale Vet Centre’s Puppy Development Program

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Age 8 – 16 Weeks
Duration 7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Capacity 8 Puppies Per Cohort
Pricing $350 (4 sesisons over 4 weeks)
FREE to existing patients vaccinated at Lilydale Vet Centre

Puppy Play Group

Is a 4-week program is designed for young pups in their most important learning window. It’s more than just play—it’s where confidence begins, life skills take root, and families learn how to raise calm, resilient companions.

Each puppy also experiences a gentle hydrobath helping them build positive, fear-free relationships with water and touch

What You’ll Learn

• Early socialisation with people and other pups

• Coping with short separations

• Confidence in a vet clinic setting

• Basic manners and polite behaviours

• Loose-leash walking

• Gentle nail trimming

• Getting comfortable with feet and ear handling

• Bathing and water confidence

Frequently Asked Questions

Puppy Play Group suits young pups aged 10 to 16 weeks who are just beginning to explore the world. It’s perfect for families wanting to give their pup the best possible start—building calm, confidence, and social smarts in a full-day, supportive setting.

This isn’t your average puppy class. Play Group runs from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. once a week for four weeks. That means more time for play, learning, swimming, gentle handling, and vet clinic desensitisation—all carefully guided by our experienced and compassionate team.

Your pup’s day includes small group play, quiet enrichment, hydrobaths, nurse-led play exams, and gentle exposure to new sights and sounds. They’ll rest in between activities to avoid overwhelm. You’ll also get daily feedback so you can stay in tune with their progress and personality.

Please pack a copy of their current vaccination certificate, a secure harness and standard lead, soft treats for training, and a labelled bag with their lunch and any comfort items they love. These little touches help your pup feel calm, comfortable, and at home during their visit.

Absolutely. Group numbers are small, and pups are carefully matched by size and temperament. Every session is fully supervised, and our vet-grade hygiene protocols keep the space clean and safe for everyone.

That’s exactly what Play Group is for. We create a gentle, encouraging environment where shy pups can build confidence at their own pace. With a little time and the right support, even the most nervous dogs can thrive.

Teach Them to Trust, Stay Calm, and Be Ready for Anything

Social smarts, loose-leash walking, vet confidence—it all starts in Puppy Play Group.


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